Community 360°: Reframing Museum Education as Participation. The Case of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Abstract

Many museums are increasingly adopting a social museology framework, positioning participation as a key educational strategy to strengthen ties with local communities. This paper examines participatory practices in art museums through the case study of Community 360°, a program developed by the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) in Spain. From a site-specific perspective, the initiative serves as both an educational project and an evaluation tool for building relationships and alliances with the museum’s local stakeholders. Using a qualitative approach, the study analyzes the discourses and perceptions of those involved, assessing the museum’s role and relevance within its surrounding communities. Ultimately, the research demonstrates the potential of participatory museum education to transform museums into spaces of social care and offers insights into more community-oriented, collaborative, and sustainable models of museum practice.